Joe Bowman, an internationally know Wild West marksmen. He performed in Wild West touring shows in the US and Europe. He can hit an aspirin tossed in the air and a playing card's edge from 50 paces. He died June 29, 2009. less

Joe Bowman, an internationally know Wild West marksmen. He performed in Wild West touring shows in the US and Europe. He can hit an aspirin tossed in the air and a playing card's edge from 50 paces. He died ... more

Photo of the late Patrick Swayze, who was one of many actors who learned how to handle guns from Houston sharpshooter Joe Bowman.

Photo of the late Patrick Swayze, who was one of many actors who learned how to handle guns from Houston sharpshooter Joe Bowman.

Photo: MARK BOWMAN IMAGES

Photo of the late Patrick Swayze, who was one of many actors who... Photo-5680654.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 7 of 98

Joe Bowman, an internationally know Wild West marksmen. He performed in Wild West touring shows in the US and Europe. He can hit an aspirin tossed in the air and a playing card's edge from 50 paces. He died June 29, 2009. less

Joe Bowman, an internationally know Wild West marksmen. He performed in Wild West touring shows in the US and Europe. He can hit an aspirin tossed in the air and a playing card's edge from 50 paces. He died ... more

In photo taken in 1987, Houston sharpshooter Joe Bowman is shown with actor Robert Duvall, who he taught how to handle the heavy Walker revolver once used by Texas Rangers for his role as Augustus McCrae in "Lonesome Dove." less

In photo taken in 1987, Houston sharpshooter Joe Bowman is shown with actor Robert Duvall, who he taught how to handle the heavy Walker revolver once used by Texas Rangers for his role as Augustus McCrae in ... more

Joe Bowman, an internationally know Wild West marksmen. He performed in Wild West touring shows in the US and Europe. He can hit an aspirin tossed in the air and a playing card's edge from 50 paces. He died June 29, 2009. less

Joe Bowman, an internationally know Wild West marksmen. He performed in Wild West touring shows in the US and Europe. He can hit an aspirin tossed in the air and a playing card's edge from 50 paces. He died ... more

Joe Bowman, an internationally know Wild West marksmen. He performed in Wild West touring shows in the US and Europe. He can hit an aspirin tossed in the air and a playing card's edge from 50 paces. He died June 29, 2009. less

Joe Bowman, an internationally know Wild West marksmen. He performed in Wild West touring shows in the US and Europe. He can hit an aspirin tossed in the air and a playing card's edge from 50 paces. He died ... more

Joe Bowman, an internationally know Wild West marksmen. He performed in Wild West touring shows in the US and Europe. He can hit an aspirin tossed in the air and a playing card's edge from 50 paces. He died June 29, 2009. less

Joe Bowman, an internationally know Wild West marksmen. He performed in Wild West touring shows in the US and Europe. He can hit an aspirin tossed in the air and a playing card's edge from 50 paces. He died ... more

Hugh Aynesworth has written assassination stories for the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Times Herald, Life magazine and numerous other publications.

Hugh Aynesworth has written assassination stories for the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Times Herald, Life magazine and numerous other publications.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Hugh Aynesworth has written assassination stories for the Dallas... Photo-5473271.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 14 of 98

Hugh Aynesworth has written assassination stories for the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Times Herald, Life magazine and numerous other publications.

Hugh Aynesworth has written assassination stories for the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Times Herald, Life magazine and numerous other publications.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Hugh Aynesworth has written assassination stories for the Dallas... Photo-5473272.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 15 of 98

Hugh Aynesworth has written assassination stories for the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Times Herald, Life magazine and numerous other publications.

Hugh Aynesworth has written assassination stories for the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Times Herald, Life magazine and numerous other publications.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Hugh Aynesworth has written assassination stories for the Dallas... Photo-5473273.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 16 of 98

John Duncan with Leila Tatum, 4, who is in her third year at The Brenda and John Duncan Rise School of Houston. The Rise School opened in January 2000 and today serves nearly a hundred students in a bright, airy building near the Texas Medical Center. It's Houston's first and only school dedicated to the early education of infants, toddlers and pre-school children with learning disabilities. less

John Duncan with Leila Tatum, 4, who is in her third year at The Brenda and John Duncan Rise School of Houston. The Rise School opened in January 2000 and today serves nearly a hundred students in a bright, ... more

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

John Duncan with Leila Tatum, 4, who is in her third year at The... Photo-5441380.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 17 of 98

Music therapist, Veronica Butler, leading her bell choir practice at The Brenda and John Duncan Rise School of Houston. The Rise School opened in January 2000 and today serves nearly a hundred students in a bright, airy building near the Texas Medical Center. It's Houston's first and only school dedicated to the early education of infants, toddlers and pre-school children with learning disabilities. less

Music therapist, Veronica Butler, leading her bell choir practice at The Brenda and John Duncan Rise School of Houston. The Rise School opened in January 2000 and today serves nearly a hundred students in a ... more

Alyse Berman, 2, is in her second year at The Brenda and John Duncan Rise School of Houston. The Rise School opened in January 2000 and today serves nearly a hundred students in a bright, airy building near the Texas Medical Center. It's Houston's first and only school dedicated to the early education of infants, toddlers and pre-school children with learning disabilities. less

Alyse Berman, 2, is in her second year at The Brenda and John Duncan Rise School of Houston. The Rise School opened in January 2000 and today serves nearly a hundred students in a bright, airy building near the ... more

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Alyse Berman, 2, is in her second year at The Brenda and John... Photo-5441383.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 19 of 98

John Duncan with Kristin Huckaby who is a supported employee who works as the classroom assistant in the three-year-old room at The Brenda and John Duncan Rise School of Houston.

John Duncan with Kristin Huckaby who is a supported employee who works as the classroom assistant in the three-year-old room at The Brenda and John Duncan Rise School of Houston.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

John Duncan with Kristin Huckaby who is a supported employee who... Photo-5441384.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 20 of 98

Christian Gutierrez, 3 is in his third year at The Brenda and John Duncan Rise School of Houston.

Christian Gutierrez, 3 is in his third year at The Brenda and John Duncan Rise School of Houston.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Christian Gutierrez, 3 is in his third year at The Brenda and John... Photo-5441385.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 21 of 98

Close to 10,000 people gather in Turkey every April for Bob Wills Day.

Close to 10,000 people gather in Turkey every April for Bob Wills Day.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Close to 10,000 people gather in Turkey every April for Bob Wills Day. Photo-5408068.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 22 of 98

Jerry Britt likes "seeing how people put their lives together and make a living", in Turkey, Texas.

Jerry Britt likes "seeing how people put their lives together and make a living", in Turkey, Texas.

Car 360, which was rescued from a Waxahachie farm, is now on display at the Interurban Museum in Plano.

Car 360, which was rescued from a Waxahachie farm, is now on display at the Interurban Museum in Plano.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Car 360, which was rescued from a Waxahachie farm, is now on... Photo-5373267.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 29 of 98

Roberty Haynes, curator of the Interurban Museum, with a photograph of the office crew at Plano's interurban depot in the 1930s, in Plano.

Roberty Haynes, curator of the Interurban Museum, with a photograph of the office crew at Plano's interurban depot in the 1930s, in Plano.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Roberty Haynes, curator of the Interurban Museum, with a photograph... Photo-5373268.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 30 of 98

Paducah's once-thriving downtown is mostly inhabited by ghosts these days. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on all sides by abandoned brick buildings, several of them collapsed in on themselves. It wasn't that long ago that the once-sturdy structures housed thriving cafes, drug stores, a couple of department stores, a variety store, hardware stores, a large hotel. less

Paducah's once-thriving downtown is mostly inhabited by ghosts these days. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on all ... more

Jerry Pate Long demonstrates his dowsing technique, in Paducah. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on all sides by abandoned brick buildings, several of them collapsed in on themselves. It wasn't that long ago that the once-sturdy structures housed thriving cafes, drug stores, a couple of department stores, a variety store, hardware stores, a large hotel. less

Jerry Pate Long demonstrates his dowsing technique, in Paducah. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on all sides by ... more

Cotton once was king in Cottle County. No more, in Paducah. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on all sides by abandoned brick buildings, several of them collapsed in on themselves. It wasn't that long ago that the once-sturdy structures housed thriving cafes, drug stores, a couple of department stores, a variety store, hardware stores, a large hotel. less

Cotton once was king in Cottle County. No more, in Paducah. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on all sides by ... more

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Cotton once was king in Cottle County. No more, in Paducah. Drive... Photo-5373278.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 33 of 98

Head Coach Johnny Willis gets the Dragons ready for Friday night, in Paducah. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on all sides by abandoned brick buildings, several of them collapsed in on themselves. It wasn't that long ago that the once-sturdy structures housed thriving cafes, drug stores, a couple of department stores, a variety store, hardware stores, a large hotel. less

Head Coach Johnny Willis gets the Dragons ready for Friday night, in Paducah. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on ... more

Paducah's once-thriving downtown is mostly inhabited by ghosts these days. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on all sides by abandoned brick buildings, several of them collapsed in on themselves. It wasn't that long ago that the once-sturdy structures housed thriving cafes, drug stores, a couple of department stores, a variety store, hardware stores, a large hotel. less

Paducah's once-thriving downtown is mostly inhabited by ghosts these days. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on all ... more

Several of downtown Paducah's buildings have collapsed. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on all sides by abandoned brick buildings, several of them collapsed in on themselves. It wasn't that long ago that the once-sturdy structures housed thriving cafes, drug stores, a couple of department stores, a variety store, hardware stores, a large hotel. less

Several of downtown Paducah's buildings have collapsed. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on all sides by abandoned ... more

It's been a long time since Paducah's Palace Theater showed a first-run movie. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on all sides by abandoned brick buildings, several of them collapsed in on themselves. It wasn't that long ago that the once-sturdy structures housed thriving cafes, drug stores, a couple of department stores, a variety store, hardware stores, a large hotel. less

It's been a long time since Paducah's Palace Theater showed a first-run movie. Drive through Paducah, in northwest Texas, and what you see is a dying town. The 1930s-era Cottle County Courthouse is hemmed in on ... more

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

It's been a long time since Paducah's Palace Theater... Photo-5373284.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 37 of 98

Joe Holley, "I found this photo of Henry Flipper during his West Point days tucked inside the pages of an old book."

Joe Holley, "I found this photo of Henry Flipper during his West Point days tucked inside the pages of an old book."

Calvary the donkey gets along well with his llama neighbors at the 53-acre La La Land Ranch south of Huntsville.

Calvary the donkey gets along well with his llama neighbors at the 53-acre La La Land Ranch south of Huntsville.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Calvary the donkey gets along well with his llama neighbors at the... Photo-5251066.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 44 of 98

The residents of Miss Hattie's Parlor entertained clients in small rooms behind a screen door, much like on display currently at Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum on East Concho Street downtown San Angelo, Texas. Miss Hattie's Parlor was one of several dozen brothels in downtown San Angelo a century ago. less

The residents of Miss Hattie's Parlor entertained clients in small rooms behind a screen door, much like on display currently at Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum on East Concho Street downtown San Angelo, Texas. ... more

The exterior door of a small museum called Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum on East Concho Street downtown San Angelo, Texas. Some San Angelo residents question whether Miss Hattie even existed, but the folks who run the museum insist she was well known in the early 1900s. Miss Hattie's Parlor was one of several dozen brothels in downtown San Angelo a century ago. less

The exterior door of a small museum called Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum on East Concho Street downtown San Angelo, Texas. Some San Angelo residents question whether Miss Hattie even existed, but the folks who ... more

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

The exterior door of a small museum called Miss Hattie's... Photo-5187065.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 46 of 98

The parlor at the top of the stairs is decorated as it would have been in the early 1900s at Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum on East Concho Street downtown San Angelo, Texas. Miss Hattie's Parlor was one of several dozen brothels in downtown San Angelo a century ago. less

The parlor at the top of the stairs is decorated as it would have been in the early 1900s at Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum on East Concho Street downtown San Angelo, Texas. Miss Hattie's Parlor was one of ... more

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

The parlor at the top of the stairs is decorated as it would have... Photo-5187067.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 47 of 98

The parlor at the top of the stairs is decorated as it would have been in the early 1900s at Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum on East Concho Street downtown San Angelo, Texas. Miss Hattie's Parlor was one of several dozen brothels in downtown San Angelo a century ago. less

The parlor at the top of the stairs is decorated as it would have been in the early 1900s at Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum on East Concho Street downtown San Angelo, Texas. Miss Hattie's Parlor was one of ... more

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

The parlor at the top of the stairs is decorated as it would have... Photo-5187068.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 48 of 98

A painting on the wall of Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum on East Concho Street downtown San Angelo, Texas. Miss Hattie's Parlor was one of several dozen brothels in downtown San Angelo a century ago.

A painting on the wall of Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum on East Concho Street downtown San Angelo, Texas. Miss Hattie's Parlor was one of several dozen brothels in downtown San Angelo a century ago.

In southwestern San Antonio, a block and a half from San Fernando Cemetery #2, a modest stucco house and adjoining shop are home to one of the city’s most venerable businesses. For nearly a century, Rodriguez Bros. Memorial has carved gravestones for cemeteries throughout San Antonio and South Texas, as well as monuments for churches, businesses and government buildings throughout the state. In his nearly 70 years with the company, Lupe Rodriguez has seen the business become more automated. less

In southwestern San Antonio, a block and a half from San Fernando Cemetery #2, a modest stucco house and adjoining shop are home to one of the city’s most venerable businesses. For nearly a century, Rodriguez ... more

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

In southwestern San Antonio, a block and a half from San Fernando... Photo-5089081.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 52 of 98

Mr. Louis Rodriguez works on a bust clay sculpture of Father Moczygemba.

Mr. Louis Rodriguez works on a bust clay sculpture of Father Moczygemba.

The Ivanhoe State Bank, across the street from the Lipscomb County Courthouse, hasn't taken deposits in a long time. Lipscomb, population 31, has more turkeys than people. The nearest town of any size is not Amarillo but Liberal, Kans., less than a hundred miles away. It's been a drowsy, little burg for decades, although in the mid-1990s, two women moved to town and gently shook it awake. Debbie Opdyke and Jan Luna, both artists, set up a studio in one of the abandoned buildings on the square - rent's cheap in downtown Lipscomb - and then commissioned a local craftsman to build an outdoor dance platform. less

The Ivanhoe State Bank, across the street from the Lipscomb County Courthouse, hasn't taken deposits in a long time. Lipscomb, population 31, has more turkeys than people. The nearest town of any size is not ... more

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

The Ivanhoe State Bank, across the street from the Lipscomb County... Photo-5028090.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 56 of 98

A flock of turkeys has had the run of Lipscomb for as long as anybody can remember. Lipscomb, population 31, has more turkeys than people.

A flock of turkeys has had the run of Lipscomb for as long as anybody can remember. Lipscomb, population 31, has more turkeys than people.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

A flock of turkeys has had the run of Lipscomb for as long as... Photo-5028089.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 57 of 98

in 2003, cowboy artist and craftsman Doug Ricketts took the old lumber and pieces of farm equipment from property in Lipscomb, and built a number of cabinets, each containing items rescued from the house.

in 2003, cowboy artist and craftsman Doug Ricketts took the old lumber and pieces of farm equipment from property in Lipscomb, and built a number of cabinets, each containing items rescued from the house.

Canadian's restored Palace Theater features first-run movies. Canadian, in the Texas Panhandle, is more attractive than many of its Panhandle counterparts, partly because of the varied terrain, but also because some of its wealthy families have stayed in the area over the years and given back to the community. The most prominent is Salem Abraham, 47, who runs a futures-trading firm out of a venerable restored hotel in Canadian. The multimillionaire, whose Lebanese immigrant family has been in Canadian for five generations, has restored buildings, established museums and supported the public schools and the results show. less

Canadian's restored Palace Theater features first-run movies. Canadian, in the Texas Panhandle, is more attractive than many of its Panhandle counterparts, partly because of the varied terrain, but also because ... more

Diners eat in the Cattle Exchange, a restaurant on the ground floor of the old Moody Hotel, in Canadian, Texas. Canadian in the Texas Panhandle, is more attractive than many of its Panhandle counterparts, partly because of the varied terrain, but also because some of its wealthy families have stayed in the area over the years and given back to the community. less

Diners eat in the Cattle Exchange, a restaurant on the ground floor of the old Moody Hotel, in Canadian, Texas. Canadian in the Texas Panhandle, is more attractive than many of its Panhandle counterparts, ... more

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Diners eat in the Cattle Exchange, a restaurant on the ground floor... Photo-4971417.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 64 of 98

Salem Abraham, 47, runs Abraham Trading Company out of a 1,000-square-foot office in the restored Moody Hotel in downtown Canadian, Texas. On his 3,000-acre ranch near downtown Canadian, Abraham is experimenting with fruits and vegetables that thrive in the Panhandle. The multimillionaire, whose Lebanese immigrant family has been in Canadian for five generations, has restored buildings, established museums and supported the public schools and the results show. less

Salem Abraham, 47, runs Abraham Trading Company out of a 1,000-square-foot office in the restored Moody Hotel in downtown Canadian, Texas. On his 3,000-acre ranch near downtown Canadian, Abraham is ... more

Don Crawford, a home builder, is the meat cutter, and Donnie Mordecai, a Waller deputy sheriff, is a cook at Leona General Store near Centerville, Texas.

Don Crawford, a home builder, is the meat cutter, and Donnie Mordecai, a Waller deputy sheriff, is a cook at Leona General Store near Centerville, Texas.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Don Crawford, a home builder, is the meat cutter, and Donnie... Photo-4971421.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 67 of 98

Orlando Almuguer keeps a close watch on a couple of ribeyes at Leona General Store near Centerville, Texas.

Orlando Almuguer keeps a close watch on a couple of ribeyes at Leona General Store near Centerville, Texas.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Orlando Almuguer keeps a close watch on a couple of ribeyes at... Photo-4971423.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 68 of 98

The 10-oz. ribeye, the smallest on the menu, is big enough to share at Leona General Store near Centerville, Texas.

The 10-oz. ribeye, the smallest on the menu, is big enough to share at Leona General Store near Centerville, Texas.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

The 10-oz. ribeye, the smallest on the menu, is big enough to share... Photo-4971425.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 69 of 98

Jerry House, 67, decided he wanted something more than a rocking-chair retirement. House, who has a doctorate in theology from the University of Chicago, had in mind opening up a roadside barbecue stand with his brother Jim, "just to give us something to do." Jim House died of a heart attack before they got the stand going, so in 1998 Jerry House bought Leona General Store near Centerville, Texas. less

Jerry House, 67, decided he wanted something more than a rocking-chair retirement. House, who has a doctorate in theology from the University of Chicago, had in mind opening up a roadside barbecue stand with ... more

The Leona General Store is a family affair, here Laura House Crawford, Emily House and Jerry House at Leona General Store near Centerville, Texas.

The Leona General Store is a family affair, here Laura House Crawford, Emily House and Jerry House at Leona General Store near Centerville, Texas.

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

The Leona General Store is a family affair, here Laura House... Photo-4971427.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 71 of 98

Charley Bowers, pets a horse on his land in Knickerbocker, Texas, 15 miles south of San Angelo. Bowers, 56, is a cowboy, hunting guide, camp cook, a welder, a mechanic – a jack-of-all-rural trades, in other words – despite having lost both hands four years ago in a horrific electrical accident. Charley was in a bucket lift working on his mother-in-law’s barn when a charge from a nearby power line coursed through his body. Most the photos were taken at the Adobe Lodge Hunting Camp, near Knickerbocker, owned by Charley’s friend Skipper Duncan. less

Charley Bowers, pets a horse on his land in Knickerbocker, Texas, 15 miles south of San Angelo. Bowers, 56, is a cowboy, hunting guide, camp cook, a welder, a mechanic – a jack-of-all-rural trades, in other ... more

Photo: Joe Holley, Houston Chronicle

Charley Bowers, pets a horse on his land in Knickerbocker, Texas,... Photo-4824072.61691 - GreenwichTime

Image 72 of 98

Charley Bowers, drives his land, in Knickerbocker, Texas, 15 miles south of San Angelo. Bowers, 56, is a cowboy, hunting guide, camp cook, a welder, a mechanic – a jack-of-all-rural trades, in other words – despite having lost both hands four years ago in a horrific electrical accident. Charley was in a bucket lift working on his mother-in-law’s barn when a charge from a nearby power line coursed through his body. Most the photos were taken at the Adobe Lodge Hunting Camp, near Knickerbocker, owned by Charley’s friend Skipper Duncan. less

Charley Bowers, drives his land, in Knickerbocker, Texas, 15 miles south of San Angelo. Bowers, 56, is a cowboy, hunting guide, camp cook, a welder, a mechanic – a jack-of-all-rural trades, in other words ... more